Tomb of the Golden Bird

Title: Tomb of the Golden Bird

Author: Elizabeth Peters

Pages: 9 discs?

Genre: Mystery

Grade: D

Synopsis: The book is part of the acclaimed Amelia Peabody series. Emerson and his wife Amelia are back in Luxor, Egypt excavating. Emerson has an idea of where a tomb may be located, but it is in the rights area of Howard Carter who eventually locates and excavates King Tut's tomb. Meanwhile, Amelia's family is being hounded by a mysterious group of people looking for somebody.

My Review: This book has generally received good reviews, but I found it to be dreadful. That may possibly be because I've never read any of the other books in the Amelia Peabody series, but this was a difficult one to finish for me. The only redeeming part of the book was in regards to King Tut's tomb, which was mildly interesting.

The Death of a President

Title: The Death of a President - November 1963

Author: William Manchester

Pages: 710 Pages

Genre: History

Grade: A

Synopsis: Essentially this book spans from November 20, 1963 to November 25, 2963, with the 2-3 hours surrounding the death of President Kennedy taking up around 300 pages. About 6 months after JFK was assassinated, Jackie Kennedy asked William Manchester to write a definitive account of the assassination. Manchester was given exclusive access to President Johnson, Jackie Kennedy, the secret service and others who were tied to the tragedy.

My Review: This was one of the most fascinating books that I've ever read. The depth of analysis that this book goes into is incredible. It was no surprise to many people that the President was killed in Dallas. People all over the country were warning the presidential party to avoid Dallas. Amazingly, the morning of the assassination the President and his wife were talking in their hotel room in Fort Worth and JFK mentioned that last night would have been a great night for an assassin to strike.

One thing that stood out to me in this book and in other biographies/historical accounts that I've read about US Presidents is the personality traits and qualities that set them apart from regular people. For example, the morning of the assassination Jackie Kennedy pointed out the beautiful artwork and flowers in their hotel room in Fort Worth. JFK had two minutes to spare and suggested that they give the lady that set them up a call. His final phone call was to thank a lady for the beautiful flowers and artwork.

Although JFK was elected in a country that was divided ideologically (much like today), most of the country was shocked and terribly saddened by his assassination. People throughout the world felt the impact of his death and leaders from countries across the globe made it a point to attend the funeral. What was most impressive of all was the poise and control that Jackie Kennedy showed throughout the ordeal, thanking visitors, receiving foreign dignitaries and planning the events. It was even her idea to place an eternal flame at his grave. I hope the country never has to suffer through a similar tragedy.

The Two Towers

Title: The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Pages: 17 discs

Genre: Fantasy

Grade: B+

Synopsis: The fellowship has broken up with Frodo and Sam sneaking off on their own to try and destroy the Ring in Mordor at Mount Doom. Pippin and Meriadoc have been abducted by Orcs who are taking them to Saruman at Isengard. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are carefully tracking their trail in an attempt to save them.

My Review: Once again I enjoyed being immersed in Middle Earth as I followed along Frodo and the others adventures. There were a couple of parts of the book that got a bit long-winded, but the story is still engrossing and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the conclusion.

A Beautiful Mind

Title: A Beautiful Mind

Author: Sylvia Nasar

Pages: 5 discs

Genre: Biography

Grade: B+

Synopsis: Professor John Nash was awarded the 1994 Nobel Prize in economics for his work on game theory 45 years previously. As a young man, Nash was a mathematical genius who never hesitated to tackle the big problems. By the time Nash was 30 years old he was suffering from schizophrenia and would continue to do so for the better part of 30+ years. Amazingly, in the early 1990's, Nash's schizophrenia began to go into recession and Nash was again able to produce useful work.

My Review: This is one of the only audiobooks that I own, so I've listened to it a few times when I have forgotten to grab some new cds from the library. I find the book to be both an inspiring story of patience and determination among incredibly difficult circumstances as well as a depressing account of the familial difficulties suffered by Nash due to his sickness. There is no doubt in my mind that Nash was deserving of the Nobel Prize or that he was an incredible genius.

The Lightning Thief

Title: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Pages: 375

Genre: Fiction

Grade: B

Synopsis: Percy Jackson is a troubled teen that has been kicked out of every boarding school he attends. He begins to notice strange things happening in his life, many of which seem to be strait from his class on Greek mythology. It turns out that Zeus' lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy is Zeus' prime suspect. Percy needs to locate the bolt and return it before Zeus loses his temper.

My Review: I enjoyed how the book helped to bring Greek mythology to life. I don't remember much about Greek mythology and I learned (or re-learned) quite a bit. The story is fairly juvenile and too often unbelievable, but it was an easy, enjoyable read.